Voice over IP (VoIP) kingpin Skype has done the unthinkable and introduced 100% free phone calls to all US and Canadian landline and mobile numbers.
The internet telephony service, recently purchased by eBay, say the offer will last "at least until the end of 2006" - and reveal that there"s not a sign up cost or hidden charge in site. The only snag to be found is that the SkypeOut caller must also be in the US or Canada.
Skype"s Jaanus Kase blogged: "It is really very, very free. There"s no prepayment, no minimum use, no subscription, no monthly fee, no nothing."
He revealed the company is unsure as to how long the offer will last: "Maybe we extend the free period, maybe not. You"ll hear more about this towards the end of the year."
Unfortunately there are no plans in place to expand this offer to the rest of the world, but who knows what the world"s most popular internet telephony company will do next?
For those of you eager to get Skyping, Jaanus advised: "If you haven"t bought any Skype Credit, your Skype client may still tell you something about needing to buy some before you can use SkypeOut. Just disregard that and place your call. It will work fine."